What does trail mean?
In everyday use, trail most often names a narrow path through grassland, woodland, mountains, or other open country. It can also mean the marks or route left behind by a person, animal, vehicle, or event: a hiker may follow a bear trail, a storm may leave a trail of damage, and a child may wander down a trail of fallen leaves. As a verb, trail means to follow at a distance, move or hang behind, lag behind, or drag something loosely across the ground. These related meanings give the word its sense of something extending or lingering after the main action. Trail can also refer to a sequence of events or to the track, scent, and resting place of an animal. The word is familiar in both British and American English, though compounds such as trail mix are especially common in North America. Overall, trail suggests a route, a lingering trace, or a position behind.
A path through open country or natural terrain, especially one narrow enough for walking or riding. By extension, it can mean the marks, scent, or route left by a person, animal, vehicle, or event.
"The hikers followed the ridge trail until sunset."
The animal-track sense is especially common in North American English.
To move, follow, or remain behind at some distance; to lag behind others; or to drag something loosely along the ground.
"A thin ribbon of smoke trailed from the chimney."
The phrase trail off can describe speech or activity gradually becoming quieter, less noticeable, or unfinished.
Used attributively to specify something associated with trails, as in trail running or trail conditions.
"Heavy rain made the trail running conditions unsafe."
This use is chiefly attributive and occurs mainly in compound nouns.
The plural trails is used for individual paths, routes, or groups of marks or traces.
"The map marks several trails through the hills."
Before it named a path, trail meant to drag: the word's literary journey began with something being pulled behind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of trail
Trail entered English in Middle English as a verb meaning “to pull or drag,” borrowed through Anglo-Norman and Old French from Latin tractare, “to pull, drag.” Latin tractare is related to trahere, “to draw, pull,” the root behind forms such as train, trailer, traction, and tractable. The English sense of a path or track is later than the basic recorded sense of dragging or pulling.
Related word forms
How trail is actually used
The word is neutral in British and American English. As an adjective it is mainly used attributively in compounds such as trail running and trail conditions; trail mix is especially common in North America.
Easily confused with trail
A trail is a path or a trace left behind, whereas a trial is a legal hearing, test, or period of trying something.